LIP Diver

Allow us to hip you to Lip.

Although the name may be unfamiliar to you, the French brand has horological roots going back to 1867 and was the first manufacture to use phosphorescent material (radium) on watch dials and hands, allowing for visibility in low light conditions. They also made early forays into electric watches, though they are probably best known for their striking mid-century modern designs, incorporating vibrant color into asymmetrical cases. 

This particular Lip is a charming diver from circa the late 1970s. It features a 35mm stainless steel cushion case with an acrylic crystal, a crisp, navy blue dive timing bezel, a sunburst blue Tritium dial with red accents and a matching 'cigarette' handset, and a date window at 3:00.

Powered by an automatic movement and paired to blue Tropic-style rubber strap, this piece is in new-old-stock condition, with its factory caseback sticker still on, a hangtag, and a Lip box.

An excellent example of midcentury watch design from an important — albeit under-the-radar — brand, it’s a perfect foray into the world of vintage timepieces!

Lip’s story began in 1867, when Emmanuel Lipmann founded a clock workshop in Besançon, France. By the 20th century the company had become known as ‘Lip’ and was producing 2,500 pieces a year. From super compressor-cased divers to Fifty Fathoms models and more, Lip’s wares truly ran the gamut, and included some of the best designs of the 1960s and 1970s.
Despite these early successes, Lip began to experience financial troubles, and was embroiled in the civil unrest that swept through the country in 1968. Disputes between the workers and management would continue until 1973, when the workers took over the factory with the slogan, ‘We make them, we sell them, we pay ourselves!’ Several liquidations and reorganizations followed, yet through all this turmoil, the company continued to produce watches.
Although somewhat off the beaten path today, Lip’s vintage pieces still resonate with collectors thanks to their bright colors and avant-garde designs, while modern reissues of classics such as the Mach 2000 are attracting a new audience. The brand’s ‘Paul Newman’ exotic-dial chronographs are particularly sought after, containing as they do dials from Singer, which made the ‘exotic’ Daytona dials for Rolex.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.